A gem of English comedy, The Rivalsis invested with unflagging invention, vivacity, elegance and a sparkling flow of wit.

In gay and amusing situations, Sheridan depicts the struggle of Captain Absolute to win Lydia Languish, a sentimental young lady, who prefers povety and elopement to riches and a humdrum wedding.

He therefore passes himself off as a poor ensign named Beverley and encounters entanglements caused by his warm-hearted but choleric father, Sir Anthony, and Lydia's aunt, Mrs Malaprop, whose inaccurate command of language contributes mightily to the fun of the comedy.

Born in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan won a reputation of the highest in two distinct spheres of life, as a dramatist and as a Parliamentary orator.

First produced in 1775, The Rivals, written when he was only 22, was a miracle as a first play and ranks close behind his brilliantly satirical comedy of manners, The School for Scandal.